electronic knapsack March 31 2008

Giving of themselves

Three local youth earn Congressional Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal Awards

Imagine volunteering for a total of over 1,600 hours. Together, three Eagle Scouts of Venturing Crew 482 did just that, donating more than 1,600 hours to their communities the past two years in pursuit of the Congressional Award.

Established by Congress in 1979, the award recognizes initiative, achievement and service in young people. Besides volunteering for others, these students from First Colonial and Princess Anne High School worked to improve themselves, setting and achieving goals in the areas of physical fitness, personal development and exploration/expedition.

“It’s about having a sense of pride in what you do,” said gold medalist Ian Gibson of First Colonial High School, “And it makes you feel better about yourself.”

On June 19th, Congressional Gold award winners traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept their medals at a special ceremony for 2008 award winners. It will be a time of celebration, sightseeing and accolades in recognition of outstanding service.

The Congress of the United States awards bronze, silver, and gold medals to deserving youth, ages 14 to 23, who have set and achieved goals in the four areas of personal development, physical fitness, voluntary public service, and expedition/exploration. The only civilian medals struck by Congress, these awards are highly regarded by colleges and universities for scholarships and admission, even at the Ph.D. level.

Because students set their own personally challenging goals that build character and foster personal development, community service, and citizenship, this award allows home-educated students to gain formal recognition for what they are already achieving. Personal development goals may include the pursuit of a new interest, or advancement to a higher level in an ongoing interest such as music, photography, Bible memorization, foreign language, or chess.

Both individual activities and team sports may be used for physical fitness goals so long as they lead to greater fitness or improved performance. A combination of cross-training activities may be permitted to achieve a specific fitness goal such as an improved resting heart rate, strengthening, or endurance.

Voluntary public service activities must benefit the community and must be performed without compensation. Political and evangelistic activities are disallowed, but service provided to the community such as helping the elderly or a food drive through a church are acceptable. Time invested in providing medical care, constructing a building, or teaching literacy while on a mission trip could qualify, while teaching Vacation Bible School would not.

Some students have formed service clubs where they together provide a variety of services to the community such as packing food boxes for the Salvation Army, sewing bears for pediatric ward patients, providing birthday parties for children in the homeless shelter, or building nesting boxes for the Department of Fish and Game. Volunteer work for home educators' associations or other organizations is acceptable, but must not be political.

Expedition/exploration is a one-time experience involving self-reliance, determination, and cooperation. A typical expedition is a wilderness experience that could include camping, climbing, backpacking, a bicycle tour, or a canoe trip. Usually the student works as part of the team in planning, training, and executing the expedition. Explorations immerse the student in an unfamiliar culture such as travel abroad, joining in a cattle roundup, or living with an Amish family. Students choose either an expedition or exploration for each medal.

Adults play an important role in the Congressional Award program. A non-family adult validator for each goal is chosen by the student, along with an advisor to help in setting goals which are achievable, measurable, challenging, and fulfilling. It is advisable when setting goals that students begin primarily with activities in which they are already involved to avoid being overwhelmed. As a student progresses through the medals, it becomes easier to delve into completely unfamiliar areas. Because hours required for each level are cumulative, hours spent on one award are carried forward to the next level. With each award, activities may be continued to a higher level, or new interests may be explored. When goals are met, the advisor and validators sign them off in the student's Record Book.

Upon completion of a medal, U.S. congressional members present bronze and silver medals at state ceremonies. The Gold Medals Awards Ceremony is held in Washington, DC, at the U.S. Capitol, with House and Senate leadership presiding.

Shown are: Sam Keltner, Ian Gibson, and Sean Warren.

Are you a district committee member, a commissioner, or an outsider wondering what the district is supposed to do? Click on this link and learn a great deal. You can buy a bound version of this book in our Scout Shop.

If you are looking for a great web site to quickly become familiar with Scouting terms and how it can help the parents of your Scouting get the most from the Scouting program, then look no further than www.scoutparents.org This is an official web site of the BSA. We highly recommend that you send all new parents that you recruit this fall to this link.

Please note that all the valid information we have received is kept on the web site under the training tab. For your convenience, here is the link to it:

The coloring contest is now closed, watch this spot for the announcement of the winners.

This years theme is “Wild Wild West” The Leaders Guide has been posted to the Council Website.

All registered Cub Scouts are welcome to attend day camp. We use the same ranks to identify age groups as your pack at home. The boys will work on activities that are challenging while still being age appropriate. A camp director, program director and a staff of volunteers who conduct the camp program, will staff each camp.

The decision on proper placement is between the parent and the camp director. It is encouraged to place the boy where he can benefit the most.

NOTE FOR TIGERS: Since Tigers are new to the Scouting program and Tigers is a one on one, Child /Tiger Partner program, you must plan on attending camp with your son.

6/16-20, Powhatan DC, Breezy Point Park, Norfolk, Gina Montour, 480-5055, Dulcey Dennehy, pack19ldr@aol.com

7/7-11, Chowanoc Day Camp, At Camp Pendleton, Virginia Beach, Jenni McFarland, 427-0052, jennimacs@aol.com, Brandi Schlossberg, 427-9114, bschloss@cox.net

The cost to attend day camp will be $70.00 per camper for all fees paid on or before April 14 (May 19 for Chowanoc, and Merrimac). For fees paid after the deadline there will be a $10.00 late fee.

Scouts and adult volunteers registered after the sign up date will not be guaranteed a T-shirt upon arrival at camp, but every effort will be made to get them a shirt before the week of camp is over.

After a camp is filled up or the signup deadline, whichever comes first, all Cub Scout applications must have the camp director’s approval. Many camps fill up before the deadline so be sure to get your applications in early.

There will be a $5.00 brother discount for the second Cub Scout from the same family to attend the same camp the same week.

Even More Advancement Statistics...you can now download the final report for January.

Advancement statistics are in and completed for the entire council go look for yourself.

We have selected two winners for the Merit Badge Contest...the correct answer is Family Life Merit Badge. Check out the link above for some cool statistics on advancement in the council and each of the districts.

Speaking of Maine...Here is the High Adventure Information for July 26 to August 8, 2008.

Please note that the council specifically prohibits any individual from harvesting emails and sending unrelated and unnecessary communications to individuals listed on the Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America site without their expressed and written approval. This is not only un-Scout-like but also illegal. If your email has been harvested from the site, research through your e-mail provider how you can report the person or organization. At the very least, put the offending e-mail on block.

In preparation of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pipsico Scout Reservation and the 20th Anniversary of Camp Lions, we are trying to gather names and contact information on all the people who have worked on the reservation over the years. If you worked or know of any one who did- please send the name, years work, area worked (if known), and any contact information may you have to : PipsicoStaff@gmail.com

If you see something in the web site that is stale, doesn't work, or needs fixing write to: tide596bsa@aol.com, reference the location and what needs to happen to fix it.

Have you collected all twelve segments in the Scout Law series? If not, you can collect all twelve now in one package deal. Click on the link below for details.

Please help fund the program for our youth. What you give today will have an impact on the leadership of tomorrow.

If you have not given to the Friends of Scouting campaign and wish to do so, please send the Friends of Scouting enrollment form to the service center.

Has your unit held it's Spring New Member Night? Is your New Member Night date been set at your school? Have you ordered New Member Night flyers to be distributed in the school? Have you put out "Join the Cub Scout" or "Join the Scouts" yard signs? Have you determined which leaders will be at the New Member Night? Have you prepared a pack or troop information handout for the families that attend your Spring New Member Night?

WHAT ARE JUST SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WILL ENSURE YOUR NEW MEMBER NIGHT SUCCESS?

have a greeter at the door to welcome and direct the new families to the New Member Night room

put Pinewood Derby cars, Raingutter Regatta boats, Space Derby rockets on a display table

don't just assume the new families will know or remember when the next meeting is going to be

Scout Trivia-- How many districts are there in the Tidewater Council? Trivia Question Answer-if you think you have it right.

A district is an administrative area set up by the Tidewater Council to administer the program of Scouting within a specific geographical area. The district has four functions: Program, Service, Finance, and Membership. The volunteers of each district seek out other individuals in the community to help provide the many volunteers that are necessary to help provide a great Scouting program.

The goal of the council and the districts is to make sure that units, their leaders and their youth are given the highest priority in terms of the four functions. A district and a council are not higher than unit operations, for there are no youth that exist at the district and council level. We must lose ourselves in service to youth, forgetting personal awards, so that the very short years of childhood are well spent and that youth are prepared for a successful life.

Parents are forever looking for what interests their child and what they think are the best things for their children. The Scouting program seeks to work with other organizations in the local neighborhoods such as churches and civic leagues to ensure that there is a Scouting program for each neighborhood. These same organizations are also seeking to work with youth.

Districts have meetings and the focus of these meetings should be to discover issues that can help serve units. The many volunteers working usually with just one paid staff member, hope to make sure that all four functions are covered. Not taking care of any of the functions in an equal fashion is akin to running out of gas. It is the job of the volunteers of the district to make sure that there is an ever increasing number of people involved from the community especially outside of Scouting. There is a selection process for finding candidates to help fill these roles.

Most people agree, that those that give of district and council service, who never seek something for themselves surely are doing the work of the founder Lord Baden-Powell, and that most famous of all Scouts, who when offered a tip for helping a stranger through the fog, declined because he was doing it for good, not personal reward. This same spirit is what keeps Scouting alive in the hearts of our community because we are not a self serving organization, we are only in service to our youth.

The election information and forms were mailed to the Scoutmaster of record for every troop and team in the council in early January. To better serve every unit and insure that everyone is prepared for a unit election, the forms will also available on the Blue Heron Lodge website. Election teams are trained and ready to meet with every troop and team. Please contact your chapter chief or advisor to schedule a date for your election.

This year’s ordeals are on May 16 – 18 and August 15 – 17. Your election must be completed at least two weeks in advance of the ordeal to insure your candidates will be properly prepared to attend.

Blue Heron Lodge is undertaking the largest camping promotion and survey project in the history of the lodge. Lodge Camping Promotion Chairman, Tim Williams provided training at the February LEC to get every chapter ready to get out in their districts. A youth chairman in each chapter will be contacting every Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop to make an appointment to come visit. Please welcome them and actively participate in their project.

Youth of the Lodge - Chief Preston M is interested in your opinion. Please send e-mails via the Council Service Center with "LODGE CHIEF" as the subject line and share your thoughts on your events.

News From The Scout Shop

GREAT SALE ON BOY SCOUT SWITCHBACKS!

From May 1 through May 30, your scout store will be having a special BUY 2 FOR $45.00 sale on BOY SCOUT SWITCHBACKS.

You can mix and match sizes, and between youth/adult/male and female, but only the Boy Scout green switchbacks are included in this sale.

No other style pants are included. This offer is limited to stock on hand, and can be ended early if we are no longer able to get additional stock at the special prices. One pair of pants will still cost the regular price ($39.95). You must buy 2 to get the special price of $45.00. You cannot combine this offer with previously purchased pants, or special orders. So come on down and take advantage of this great offer while it lasts!

CUB THEME MONTH MATERIALS AVAILABLE:

April's theme is "Abracadabra", and the Scout Shop has what you need to make your meetings fun. In addition to literature on magic, we have magic kits and patches as well. As always, if you're going to need a large quantity, let us know in advance, so we can have them ready for you.

SPECIAL COINS AND KNIVES:

Our scout shop has partnered up with the Northwest Territory Mint to bring you a wide selection of high-quality coins and knives. These cover Cub Scouts all the way to Eagle, and much in between. Come and check out our new display, and remember, we can order any of the special coins, knives, or medallions that are currently available through BSA supply, as well as the special gift boxes and pouches for them that are NOT available through any other source. We now have Leader's coins in stock, including Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and Commissioner, none of which can be bought through other sources.

DAY CAMP PAYMENTS

The day camp organization/payment process is supposed to be at the pack level. One person should come down and pay with one check to cover your entire pack. This will speed up the registration time at our counter. Parents should make their payments to your pack, and the pack writes one check for the entire amount. If you send "add-ons" later, please be sure to let us know when you make the payment.

SHOP YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL STORE!

The past several weeks, we have been calling some of our great volunteers to thank them for supporting our council store the past year. We also wanted to let everyone know that when you shop at YOUR council store, the proceeds from the sales stay in YOUR council, supporting the boy programs. Items that are found in the catalogs, or that are found on the National online store can be ordered by us for you. If you shop directly online, YOUR council does not receive any of the money you spend. If you cannot get to our store, we will be happy to ship the items to you. If we hold the items for you, we will let you know when they arrive, and of course you will save on the shipping and handling if you come to pick them up. So remember, give us a call FIRST, and let us help you!

The items listed below are products our office uses on a continual basis to operate. Anyone who would like to make a donation may do so by contacting Linda Boyce at 497-2688 ext. 332. Donations are tax deductible and enable us to spend money in other program areas for our youth.

Our special thanks goes out to Pack 700 and Wes Sherman for their generous gifts of office supplies. We have put it all to good use. Thanks so much for thinking of the council.

A number of Cub Scout Packs have been asking when the next BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training is going to be held. There are several scheduled in the next few months.

For more detailed information about upcoming training sessions and registration forms for these training sessions, please see the Council Training Calendar.

The name of this training is somewhat of a misnomer. Yes, it is about how to protect our youth but, it's also about what to do if a "situation" happens and how to protect yourself from unwarranted accusations. Because this training is very important, it has been made so easy and convenient for every leader to take by being made available on line. Just go to the Online Learning Center . There just isn't any reason that every leader can't take this training.

Let them know about the new leader training sessions that are being conducted throughout the council area. Hey, why not offer to take them to the next training session? Show them where the council’s training calendar is on line. Also, you can direct your new leaders to the Online Learning Center so that they can complete Fast Start and Youth Protection Training. Let your new leaders know that they don’t have to have a member ID number to take any of the online training; however, when they get their membership card they can go back to the Online Learning Center and enter their membership ID number and it will enable their records to be updated directly to ScoutNET for any on-line training they have taken or take in the future.

		Electronic Knapsack
Districts Web Sites					Summer time
Albemarle		Volume 11, Issue 7, April 21, 2008			Program
Cape Henry		Number one council in the nation serving the community through “Good Turn for America”.			Make sure
Chowanoc					you say
Elizabeth River		www.tidewaterbsa.com			thank you
Kempsville					to the
Merrimac					leaders that
Powhatan					make your
General Information					summer a great and safe one.
Contact Staff Pipsico Scout Reservation Good Turn for America Council Calendar PDF			Youth Protection Month is April
			Only a few days left in April. Please take quick action now to ensure that all your leaders, parents, and those that will have contact with your youth will have the information necessary to provide a safe Scouting program to our youth.
Training Modules Cub Scout Fast Start Boy Scout Fast Start Venturing Fast Start			Summer Resident Camp Info Available
			We will be celebrating fifty years of camp at Pipsico on the James during our summer programs. The current and up to date information for the summer is now available on the web site under the camping button. Both Cub and Scout resident camp information is available. Click on camping and look for complete guides for either programs.		Scouting: If it’s not for the boys; it’s for the birds.
RISK ZONE Guide to Safe Scouting Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat Training	RISK ZONE Emergency Preparedness Kit Age Guidelines for Activities			OFFICIAL NOTICE: Please reply to tide596bsa@aol.com. If you are changing your e-mail shortly or you will no longer have access to your e-mail account, please be a Scout and let us know. Thank You!

Electronic Knapsack

Districts Web Sites

Volume 11, Issue 7, April 21, 2008

Number one council in the nation serving the community through “Good Turn for America”.

General Information